You haven’t heard from me in years. I am not writing this for attention, or to give you any type of gratitude. I am writing this to tell you, thank you.

I mean it when I say 'thank you.' You showed me who I never want to be like. You showed me what it feels like to not have the love and support of a parent. You showed me what a weak person does to escape their problems. You showed me what the true definition of a coward is.

Because of you, Father’s Day is now another day to appreciate Mom. Because of you, Father-Daughter Dances were out of the question. Because of you, I never had to worry about my boyfriend “meeting my dad.” Because of you, my mom taught me how to drive a car. Because of you, you will never give me away on my wedding day.

You chose all of this. I never asked to not grow up with a dad, but I guess you were tired of being one.

Because of you, I learned to chase my dreams. Because of you, I learned to fight for what I believe in and not back down. Because of you, I stand stronger.

You wouldn’t recognize me now. I smile a little brighter and laugh a lot louder because I don’t have to worry about you.

In the last four years, I realized that genetics makes someone a father, but it takes a special person to be a called a dad. You made that title disappear.

So thank you. Thank you for all the mistakes you made. Thank you for missing all my performances and races. Thank you for messing up all those times. Best of all, thank you for disappearing.

Sincerely,

A Stronger Person.